Simple Home Cleaning Tips To Save Money & The Environment.

by Fox Symes on March 31, 2014

Cleaning our homes need not cost us an arm or a leg. Nor should it negatively affect the environment. There are a number of ways you can clean your home effectively, without recourse to expensive and harsh chemicals. Indeed, sometimes we don’t need to venture outside our kitchen to find effective home cleaning solutions. There are lots of ingredients in our pantries that can be used as great cleaning products – at minimal cost to your wallet and the environment. If you’re looking for ways you can save both money and the environment when cleaning your home, read on. Here are 3 simple home cleaning tips that are both great for your budget and the environment.

1. Use vinegar as a great all-purpose cleaner.

Using a combination of vinegar and water makes for an effective cleaning solution that can be used on most surfaces throughout the home. The solution can be used to clean counter tops, ceramic tiles, and vinyl flooring. Always err on the side of too little vinegar when concocting your cleaning solution: too much vinegar can be a bad thing.

2. Use baking soda as a mild abrasive.

Baking soda can be used as a mild abrasive around the home. Trying using a combination of baking soda and water to get rid of scuffs on vinyl flooring. Simply make the solution, apply it to the surface, and then use a strong rag to rub the surface clean. No doubt you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the results.

3. Use the natural bleaching properties of lemon.

Lemon has natural bleaching properties which is perfect for those stubborn stains. It’s also perfect for cleaning the microwave. Simply cut a lemon in half, and squeeze all the juice into a small bowl. Then use a soft rag (microfiber is best) to clean the inside of your microwave (or any other plastic surface). Try microwaving the left over lemon halves for a minute after cleaning: the fresh scent eliminates cooking odors and loosens random food splatters that may have hardened inside your microwave.

4. Use salt to polish copper.

Tarnished copper can be polished effectively with a solution of salt, vinegar and water. Simply pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply to the copper. Let it sit briefly before rubbing it clean with a soft microfiber cloth. Your copper pots and pans will be looking as good as new in no time at all.

5. Use cornstarch to clean windows.

Before reaching for the Windex, use a combination of cornstarch, vinegar and water for an effective window cleaning solution. Simply spray the solution on your window surfaces and wipe off with a gentle microfiber cloth.

When it’s time to give your home its weekly clean, hold off on using ready-made cleaning products, and instead opt for using natural ingredients from around the home. House hold ingredients can save you tons of money at the end of each month, as well as limit your impact on the environment by not using harsh chemicals to clean your home. Both your wallet and the environment will be better off for it.